WA's energy safety regulator has facilitated a major gas upgrade at Fremantle Markets, improving safety and efficiency for visitors and vendors at the popular location.
WA's energy safety regulator has facilitated a major gas upgrade at Fremantle Markets, improving safety and efficiency for visitors and vendors at the popular location.
Food stalls have transitioned from portable LPG cylinders to piped natural gas following a project involving the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety's Building and Energy group - in collaboration with Fremantle Markets and ATCO.
Building and Energy provided regulatory and safety advice for the installation of new gas infrastructure throughout the market's heritage-listed building, with permanent connections and individual meters at each food stall.
WA's Director of Energy Safety, Daniel Kearney, said a natural gas supply was often a safer option for busy public venues.
"It's important to emphasise that LPG cylinders are safe to use if they are operated correctly and in appropriate outdoor locations," Mr Kearney said.
"The use of a natural gas system in a public venue such as Fremantle Markets is a win-win scenario as it completely avoids on-site handling, storage and changeovers of cylinders.
"The 'lighter-than-air' properties of natural gas also provide increased safety benefits in a busy market compared to LPG, which is denser and can build up at ground level."
Fremantle Markets CEO Natasha Atkinson said a transition period allowed vendors time to modify or replace appliances to be compatible with the new system.
"The upgrade significantly reduces on-site risk by removing the need for portable gas bottles, improves day-to-day operations for traders, and delivers a more reliable energy supply," Ms Atkinson said.
The project was completed in stages to minimise disruption at the markets, which attracts around two million visitors a year.
Guidance on the safe use of gas appliances at public venues is available on Building and Energy's website .
